Council downplays land resumption fears

The Mackay Regional Council has moved to reassure Pioneer Valley residents there are no plans to resume their land.

During a public meeting for the Draft Regional Planning Scheme, concerns were raised about the zoning along the river to allow for a proposed 'esplanade'.

A number of residents voiced concerns that part of their land would no longer be private property.

However, the manager of strategic planning, Jaco Ackerman, says the proposal will not affect current property owners.

"It remains private property until there is future development," he said.

"There is no plan for taking up the land at the moment but if future development occurs, as part of that development the land is taken as part of that development application."

Public meetings are being held to discuss the council's vision for the next 20 years.

The draft planning scheme estimates the population of Mirani and Marian will double in the next 20 years, raising concerns about how local infrastructure and services will cope with the added pressure.

Residents attending a meeting in Mirani yesterday were particularly worried about schools and the lack of public transport.

There was also discussion about urban development encroaching on irrigation channels and causing drainage issues.